My husband arrived home last week and I couldn't have been happier. It is just a lot easier to have an extra hand here and there with the Ladies.

The Lady was very excited and has spent every morning since calling her daddy down to change her diaper. This frees up my mornings some!

We are in full holiday swing at our house and actually got a tree that isn't potted this year. The Lady was very excited to trim it and only broke two ornaments. Needless to say most of our more fragile ornaments are still wrapped up and packed away.

I still haven't finished shopping, but I am almost done. I wanted to be super organized this year, but as usual, things have been left for the last minute and finding the time to actually get out has proved more difficult than I thought.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

I thought that the princess obsession started at age 4. Apparently it has already begun.

The Lady has gone to a princess tea party and has a Cinderella dress that she likes to dress up in on occasion. It is in fact, one of the only forms of clothing I can get her to wear. She likes to go all out, requesting both the scepter and the crown, as well as the princess shoes, which I have banned due to the fact that she can't walk in them at all.

It puzzles me why she has suddenly become so into the entire princess phenomenon (or cult--whatever word you want to use here), she really hasn't had that much exposure to it. She has never seen any of the Disney movies and with the exception of a kickball that has princesses on it and the dress, we have no princess paraphernalia.

So, the other morning when the Lady was all dressed up in her Cinderella dress crying large drops of tears that fell fast from her big eyes because she wanted to watch Cinderella, I was at a loss of what to do.

Now, I probably should have tried to calm her or distract her with her tea party set, or take her into her room and play in her kitchen with her "ingredients." However, after almost two weeks on my own and the fact that she didn't fall asleep until 10:30 pm the night before and woke up at 6:19 am, exactly two seconds after I put my head on the pillow after feeding the little Lady for about the eight-hundredth time, I grabbed the remote and prayed.

I knew that there was a Barbie channel somewhere. I found it, but couldn't figure out how to actually see any programs. I also quickly realized that a princess obsession was one thing, but I am not ready for Barbie yet!

Next stop, Disney on Demand. I thought this was a Disney movie channel, in reality it was just a channel with videos on all the stuff you can do at Disney. I clicked on the minute video about a little girl going to Cinderella's castle, where she got all dressed up and had her hair and make-up done. After watching this twice, the Lady turned to me and told me she wanted make-up "on her face and mouth." Click.

Besides Cinderella, the Lady kept asking about Tinkerbell. She had seen a Tinkerbell movie over Thanksgiving with her cousin, but I hadn't seen or heard anything about it since then. Oh--iO Video on Demand--please give me something.

And then there it was. Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, in HD no less for only $4.95. Play. And then three hours later, play--again.

So, now we have been talking about Tinkerbell for the last few days, and Santa may be bringing a Tinkerbell princess dress, but I am going to try to keep the whole princess thing to a minimum if I can. I am all for imagination and dress-up, and I think we all want our children to believe in whimsy and a happy ending until the harsh reality of real life actually sets in, but I am not buying anymore of the matching shoes.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

I had to dump six ounces of breast milk in the last 12 hours. Not only did I have to dump said breast milk in order to figure out if it was good or not, I had to taste it.

Now, a drop or two of milk has landed on my hand in the past and I have tried it, but I never really tasted it.

I was worried about the milk I had in the fridge, because I had pumped it on Sunday and although you can keep it in the fridge for 5-7 days, it had been transferred twice in a cooler. I have been trying to keep up with the pumping, but have been having a hard time finding any time to actually sit down and do it. So last night, when I got to my parents house to stay over, I smelled one of the containers and it seemed okay but I wasn't sure so I tasted it. Now, I will say I took the smallest possible sip I could because if that milk had been good, I didn't want to waste one single drop. Sadly, it was not, and it tasted just like sour milk. Totally gross.

3oz. down the literal drain.

I was still worried about the other container I had, even though it had only been pumped on Tuesday, but it too had spent some time in the cooler at the office and then in transport yesterday afternoon. This morning before I left I opened it and took a sip. Not good.

Here is where I realize how much mothers love their children. I asked my mom to taste it to double check. She poured a small amount in her empty coffee cup and confirmed my initial assessment. Not good. Ugh.

Another 30z. down the drain.

Just to make sure that I knew what good breast milk tastes like, I tried the container I pumped last night. It was very sweet and definitely not sour, but instead of 9oz in the fridge, I only had 3.

Now, the Little Lady needs to eat, so obviously I left her with some formula (the travel-size 4oz samples given to you by the hospital) that my sister (the breast milk champion of the world) had given me last night, when in my attempt to leave the house, I left behind the formula I had.

Now, when I am with her the Little Lady gets her boob juice, but I would like to be able to leave her with it as well. Not only am I now stressing over the amount she gets, but I am stressing over if it is good or not. My ultimate goal would be to pump and freeze immediately. I think I foresee some power pumping in my future!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Oh, the drama, the tears, the twists and turns, engagements, endorsements, oh my!

Well Danny C. is our new Biggest Loser. That guy looks amazing. Truthfully, I think it was a toss up between him and Rudy but I am glad to see that all the finalists look fantastic.

I will say in a small moment of self-pity, I kind of got pissed that Tracey weighs less than I do--at the moment--anyone else think she looked a little juiced up? I think she looked a little juiced up. I was also glad that she didn't take home the $100.000.00 and I think so were the other contestants.

Rebecca was the at-home winner and when she first walked out I had no idea who she was. The blond, short hair was a little severe, and even though she did look great, the silver skirt was way too short. I also wasn't a big fan of her shaking and crying act. She is a little drama. I was surprised they didn't make mention of her relationship with Daniel--although, I don't know for how much longer she is going to keep him around. He isn't quite there yet with the weight and she looks really good.

Speaking of romance. . . an engagement? An engagement on National TV, while you are wearing a BL tank top and spandex? Super romantic. I do feel happy for Antoine and Alexandra, but she is only 20. That is a pretty big commitment. It did look like their two moms were happy though, they were hugging each other in the aisle. The Biggest Loser has provided love connections before, maybe this is just another love story to be told. We will see, hopefully they won't end up divorced and at 300lbs in the next five years.

There were so many contestants that looked great. Abby, Coach Mo and Allan were a few of my favorites. I will say I felt bad for Liz. She worked really hard to get to the final and was voted off by America. She would have been my vote--had I bothered to vote and I hope the best for her.

Ok, lets talk about Shay. If someone paid me 1,000 for every pound I lost, I am pretty sure I could find the time to run my ass off every day. Hey Subway, let me know, I will be willing to shill for you anytime. Just write the check and I will post my progress and let you know how much I enjoy eating your Veggie Delites and small bags of pre-cut apples. I think we could have a really great relationship!

I am glad for Shay, she definitely needs to drop at least another 100-150 lbs. and this is the incentive she needs to continue her journey. I hope that come May, she is writing herself a check for over $100,000.00, and I wish her well.

Since the finale is live, there are always those weird moments where Allison is trying to fill the time, or rush a contestant along, or just says something that doesn't work, like when she tried to get Abbey to scream out that she weighed 147lbs. and Abbey totally didn't hear her. I also thought that the side-by-side hologram of the finalists walking out with their old self was kind of weird. When Rudy gave it an ass slap, I almost turned the channel.

Well, one more season down. I love me a finale. Hopefully, I can reach my own goals by the end of next season. Stay tuned. . .

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

My husband left on Friday for California. He won't be back until next Thursday. That means I am only on day 4 of this 14 day trip and I am already feeling it.

I will admit to looking forward to work today. I needed to get out of the house for a little while. Granted, we have been trying to keep busy since he left. Friday, I called my SIL and she came by and hung out with the ladies so I could run a few errands. I figured it would be easier to go food shopping alone and probably more productive. Saturday, we headed down to see the Wild Man and his sister. I had to wrestle The Lady twice into putting on her clothes, but we made it.

Sunday, my parents stopped by and I was able to get a few things out of the garage for both Christmas and the Little Lady, who until recently was just getting put in a small travel swing, or on the bottom of a play mat, with nothing to look at and nothing to entertain her, except for her mother and older sister battling over wearing clothing.

(BTW. . . the Little Lady looks like she is about to roll over. She is so close, she just has to get that bottom arm out and she will be having tummy time! Note to self: do not leave her on the couch--you do not want to bring her to the doctor's office and have to call your husband hysterically crying after she falls off. You have done this once before--no need to repeat it.)

Monday, my girlfriend came over with her newest little guy. We were very excited to meet him and were very grateful they made the trip.

As much as we have been trying to keep busy, that doesn't always mean that I have time for myself. It is kind of hard to schedule showers these days and on average I am getting one every other day. This also limits other grooming issues. For example, there is the possibility that I still have a tiny, tiny bit of toenail polish on my big toes from September--yes September.

Since the showers are a little less frequent, certain shower standards are as well. I still shampoo, condition and wash, but if I am showering every other day, then I am shaving every fourth day. I am totally convinced that I could have run the Turkey Trot seconds quicker, had I actually shaved my legs in the days leading up to it. I was running in capri running pants and was super embarrassed when I had to have the volunteers attach and detach the chip on my sneaker, not only was I exposing them to a landscape beyond stubble, it was a pale, dry, white landscape as well. Had I shaved, I might have glided into that finish line with a much lower time.

And then there are the eyebrows. Every time I look into the mirror I see two very furry, fuzzy eyebrows staring back at me. Usually, I pluck after I get a wax and am able to maintain the shape and style for a while without me looking like Bert from Sesame Street's doppelganger. I haven't quite had the time to do that lately, so it was with much pleasure that I was able to get out at lunch today and have the slate wiped clean. I feel like a new woman.

Beyond, basic hygiene there hasn't been much time just to sit back and relax either. Even though she is in her bed at pretty much the same time every night, it seems like the hours after bedtime just fly by, as opposed to the slow crawl of time between 6:30 and 8 pm, before bedtime. my problem is that once The Lady is asleep, the Little Lady, is in her prime. This kid just likes to hang out. She doesn't care that she went to bed at 9 pm last week, now that daddy is gone, she is hanging out until at least 11. And if she is hanging out then I am too, and so are my boobs, because she refuses to sleep without getting nursed first.

I have answered a lot of e-mails lately, one handed, with the Little Lady on my lap and her drool all over my pants, while watching Hoarders on A&E and trying to keep my eyes open.

All I want for Christmas is a massage and two hours at the bookstore--alone.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Just wanted to let everyone know that I got my replacement parts for the Maclaren stroller. If you don't know and you have a Maclaren, there was an issue with fingers getting caught in the hood while closing. For more info and to request your replacement parts go here

Free Batteries at Staples: All you have to do is have your Staples Rewards card (free to sign up) Just buy a 20 pack of AA or AAA Duracell batteries and you'll get 100% back in a Staples Rebate in January. You can do this up to twice a week and it's going on for the next few weeks so stock up!!

If anyone has any great deals or discounts let me know and I will post them here.

I had to wait an hour to watch the BL last night because of the President's speech but at the end we have two out of the three finalists. Danny and Rudy are definitely in and America has to vote for either Liz or Amanda. Personally, I hope Liz gets in, but we will see.

As for the rest of the show it is always nice to see the homecomings and to see how big of a change the contestants have made. I feel like they have gone much more psychological this year, everyone seems to be thinking or talking about the emotions and issues that have caused them to gain the weight. Throw in a plug for Subway and that was pretty much the first hour.

The final challenge for the contestants was to run the marathon. I have to give them all credit for finishing, I certainly wouldn't be able to do it.

I guess we will just have to wait and see who wins it all. Finale here we come. . .

BTW. . . forgot to mention Mike and Ron from the "Where are They Now" show. Looks like with a little help from the BL, younger brother Max was able to shed a few of the lbs. I hope he can continue to get all that weight off.

She has recently started saying "I can't like these pants," when I know she means she doesn't like them, but I think it is funny and it makes it seem like she thought long and hard about those pants and just cannot bring herself to accept them.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

We are down to the final four. With Allan getting voted off, we are left with Rudy, Danny, Liz and Amanda. I am pretty surprised to see Liz still kicking around. Early on, I thought she would be one of the first to go. I will have to say I admire her work ethic--plus it doesn't hurt to have a team member in Danny on her side.

I am routing for Danny. I like him. He seems a little crazy-Southern and the big eyes don't help that, but anyone who not only would go on TV and show off that belly he had, but who would also publish a photo of him in the 80's with a ponytail--gets my vote. I mean, I think he is genuinually changed by this experience. He and Rudy have the best chance of winning, if they are able to drop a few more of the lbs. by the finale.

I wouldn't count out the ladies, but we will see. Tonight two are voted into the final and America gets to choose the third. I always say I am going to vote, but I never do. I am sure America will make the right decision. We will see tonight.

Where are They Now?

I have to admit, instead of packing and organizing myself for Thanksgiving and the Turkey Trot, I spent two hours watching the "Where are They Now?" BL special. I mean, it was great to see some of those past constestants. Here are a few things I noticed:

1. A lot of the black women on the show seem to get voted off early, but have not only lost weight on their own at home but have kept it off and have gotten certified in training. They have also given back to their community in positive ways.

2. Vicky is still kind of swarmy and even though she looks good, I can't be 100% happy for her.

3. Matt and Susie have cute kids and I think they are the "reality" in terms of what can happen when you go home. You gain back some of the weight, but at the same time you have to try and continue to find the time to make your health a priority. I will say--Matt you are an Ironman in my book. I mean the guy missed the cutoff by 3 minutes. I did think of him when I ran the Turkey Trot--5 miles isn't that much compared to a full Ironman.

4. Eric. Eric. Eric. I mean I know you work in a deli, but how could you let yourself fall so far? The best part about the entire interview with Bob was that it was obvious they were sitting in their recently remodeled kitchen, bought with the BL winnings. I feel bad for the guy, how embarrassing must it be to have people recognize you as the Biggest Loser when you gained back almost all the weight.

Overall, it was well worth the two hours devoted to it. It was great to catch up with past contestants and to see who continued on the right path.

Other Updates

I ran the Turkey Trot. I didn't get too much sleep the night before and I wasn't in as good of shape as I was last year, but I ran the whole way without stopping and I finished in under an hour. Granted, it was one minute and one second under an hour, and about 4 minutes slower than last year, but for just pushing out the Little Lady 3 1/2 months earlier, I think I did pretty well.

I had to really run this race for myself and this time around I think it was more mental than anything else. My running partner was running at a faster pace then me this year, so after the first fifty yards I was on my own. I also didn't have a cheering section at the end this year. Two kids are hard to get out of the house. I did however almost puke again while crossing the finish line and this year I am not even pregnant. Hopefully, I can curb that feeling next year.

In the race bag was a flyer for a half marathon in April. I am considering it. . .

Well the Holiday Season is officially upon us. I am not sure if any of you braved Black Friday but there looked like there were some good deals out there.

We had a very busy Thanksgiving week. We started at the Holiday Parade on Sunday, made Turkey cookies with our Texas cousins on Monday, took a family photo on Thursday and headed out to Mistletoe Magic on Sunday. It was a big week for us.

Here are some pics.

The Ladies at the Parade

The Wild Man's Little Sis (I have to come up with a better name for her!)